You may have 2 to 30 days to tell your insurance company that you have purchased a new car if you are already insured, depending on the financing and coverage details. If you don't have car insurance yet, you'll need to get a new policy before you can drive legally. If you buy a car, you typically have 7 to 30 days to get an insurance policy. If you already have a pre-existing auto insurance policy (probably for another car, and the used car is your second vehicle), then insuring your used car should be simple.
What matters most is if it's your first car and if you already have a pre-existing car insurance policy. If you don't have car insurance yet, you'll need to get a new policy before you can legally drive your new car. You need proof of car insurance before you can take a newly purchased used car out of the parking lot, if you buy it at a dealership. If you own two or more cars and have all your auto insurance under one company, you're often eligible for a discount under a “multi-car plan.” However, grace periods vary by insurer and policy, so be sure to check yours before buying a used car.
The Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm and USAA quotes are estimates based on the Quadrant Information Service auto insurance rate database. Insurance coverage is important because it keeps you safe behind the wheel, whether you're driving a new vehicle or not. Even without a specific vehicle identification number (VIN), you can provide your personal information to an insurance agent and then officially activate your policy once you know the details of the car. However, for the vast majority of people, car liability insurance is the most effective way to protect themselves financially in the event of a car accident.
This could cause you to be underinsured if you rely on grace period coverage for your initial old car. Otherwise, you can get insurance quotes for several car models beforehand and purchase a policy before leaving the parking lot. Progressive, Allstate, GEICO and State Farm are great brands, but you can get quality policies from other insurers that you may never have heard of. Before buying a used car, be sure to contact your insurance company to understand your grace period.
If you want to know the ability to pay claims rating of a particular insurance company, ask an agent or representative of the company. If you don't have car insurance, you can't buy any car, not even a used one, from a dealer without proof of insurance.
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